One of the biggest challenges in dentistry is to accurately reproduce natural teeth. Natural teeth consist of enamel, dentin, pulp and other elements, making it complex to reconstruct. In addition, teeth have varying optical properties in terms of translucency, opalescence and fluorescence. In this article we’ll describe the importance of aesthetic restorations, why it’s difficult to achieve natural aesthetics with traditional techniques and what options to consider that are revolutionizing the future of restorative dentistry.

Teeth restoration today

According to an independent survey from the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, 99.7% of individuals believe their smiles are a vital social asset. 74% feel an unattractive smile could potentially hurt career success. And nearly 84% of people agreed to be under increased pressure to perfect their smile. This has increased the number of celebrities and adults seeking dental work. Coupled with the growing popularity and use of social media and virtual meetings, the value of appearance, and attractive smiles are in high demand.

When tooth loss occurs, its impact on appearance and attractiveness is notable. Since humans can only grow two sets of natural teeth in their lives, baby teeth and permanent teeth, the loss of permanent teeth require restorative measures. To replace lost or missing teeth, dentures (artificial restorations) are commonly used. The loss of natural teeth not only impacts physical appearance and well being, it also impacts emotional well being. People can feel embarrassed, afraid, self conscious, pain, sadness, devastation, and depression. For toothless or edentulous patients, not being able to bite, chew, talk, socialize, and look their normal self, can make them feel a sense of identity loss and inability to live a normal, happy life.

This is why as dental professionals it is important to strive for rehabilitation of teeth that are not only functional but also aesthetical. The need for lifelike restorations help patients regain their confidence, quality of life, self esteem, and physical identity.

Why Fluorescence matters

It’s difficult to achieve natural aesthetics using traditional reinforcement techniques and materials. When teeth are artificially restored, dental reinforcement structures are often overlooked and lack fluorescent features to make them more natural looking. Fluorescence is when an emission of light (photons) occurs by a substance that has absorbed higher energy light. Fluorescent materials help give artificial teeth a vitality and luminosity real teeth possess. 

Traditional dental reinforcements are made of metal alloys (such as titanium and chrome-cobalt), zirconia (or ceramics/porcelain), PEEK, Pekkton, or even carbon-fiber reinforced composite. All of these solutions are not fluorescent on their own, which negatively impacts the aesthetic results of the prosthetic components they support. Reinforcements to which restorative crowns or teeth are connected affect the translucency and fluorescence of prostheses.

A new way to reinforce

To achieve more realistic aesthetic results, dental professionals can use materials that are both translucent and fluorescent for dental reinforcements, such as Hi-Fiber. One way to achieve more realistic restorations is by creating prostheses with materials that mimic the fluorescence of natural teeth. This is especially important when it comes to dental reinforcement structures placed inside artificial teeth or behind natural teeth. Artificial restorations with a more realistic look are less noticeable, day or night.

The benefits of lifelike restorations include patient satisfaction, dental services that can enhance or distinguish dental work, and strengthening of brand reputation. By developing a niche in aesthetic restorations and offering patients a better implant-supported rehabilitation experience, dental practices can be rewarded with more opportunity to grow, positive word of mouth, patient referrals or reviews, and exemplary clinical cases to share.

Conclusion: In short, aesthetic dental reinforcement materials with fluorescence most similar to natural teeth help achieve natural-looking results. Since an entire prosthetic system is composed of various elements, including dental reinforcement structures placed inside or behind teeth and resin components, it helps to have a structure both translucent and fluorescent. According to published scientific information and review, the clinical significance of fluorescence is “a fundamental optical property for aesthetic rehabilitations since its presence and intensity in restorative materials allows achieving an aesthetic result much closer to reality.”1

With the help of Hi-Fiber, realistic dentures will continue to evolve the world of smile restorations and bring patients the joy, quality, and satisfaction they deserve. 

1 Volpato CAM, Pereira MRC, Silva FS. Fluorescence of natural teeth and restorative materials, methods for analysis and quantification: A literature review. J Esthet Restor Dent. 2018 Sep;30(5):397-407. doi: 10.1111/jerd.12421. PMID: 30375751.